MORVEN  AND  LINDA; 


OK 


TBI  TOON  STAR. 

&  tale  of  a  &otoiet's  fetiftful  lobe 


*   "m*m 


THI^    POEM   IS   AN    EXTRACT  FROM  A    POPULAR  BOOK 

CALLED  MYRTLE  LEAVES,  THE  SECOND  AND 

MUCH  ENLARGED  EDITION  OF  WHICH 

IS  NOW  IN  PRESS. 


0jr  A 


"  A  beam  that  was  set  returns.'—  Ossian. 


RAL ETG  H : 
BRANSON,  FARRAR  &  CO. 

1  863. 


rr 


MOEYEN  AND  LINDA; 


OR  THE 


TOKEN  STA'K. 


'-Twas  eve,  and  nature  slept  in  peace— 
The  sky,  her  covering,  gemmed  with  stars — 
"While  'long  the  West  "bright,  blushing  hues 
*  "Still  lingered  like  a  fringe  of  gold : 
She  slept  like  one  who  sweetly  knows 
She's  loved  and  loves  the  loving  one, 
And  dreams  while  sleeping  he  is  near, 
And  smiles  and  gives  his  love  a  tongue. 

Beneath  a  brpad  and  shadowy  elm 

A  soldier  and  his  fair  betrothed 

In  quiet  sat,  and  dreamed  and  loved. 

They  long  had  shared  those  sacred  joys 
^9  Which  kindred  hearts  each  other  give 
q  When  deep  affection  makes  them  one. 
7*  The  noble  youth  with  soul  of  fire, 
\  Alive  to  duty's  thrilling  cry, 
|^Had  come  to  breathe  a  long  adiea, 
^And  give  a  pledge  of  changeless  love. 
••The  wid'ning  visions  of  his  soul, 

a  In  dreams — in  fancy — all  were  stained. 

With  tears  of  weeping  innocence — 

With  smoke  from  robbed  and  burning  home6 — 


MORVEN  AND  LINDA  ; 

With  blood  besprinkled  hills  and  plains — 

And  on  each  fleeting  wing  of  air 

"Was  borne  to  him  the  loud  appeal 

Of  struggling  friends  and  countrymen 

For  help  against  his  country's  foe. 

And  she  who  by  him  sat,  possessed 

A  heart  too  faithful  to  oppose 

The  zeal  magnanimous,  which  led 

To  sacrifice  and  strife  and  pain, 

For  home  and  liberty  and  Heaven. 

He  spoke  with  trembling  voice  and  !owf 
"To-morrow,  Linda,  I  must  haste 
To  scenes  of  strife,  in  distant  fields  ; 
To  share  with  comrades,  brave  and  true, 
The  dangers  of  a  soldier's  life*; 
.  And  struggle  with  a  dauntless  soul 
For  truth  and  right  and  native  land. 
I  hate  this  war  and  every  war : 
I  have  no  cruel  thirst  for  blood, 
Nor  wish,  impelled  by  dark  revenge, 
To  stand  beside  a  fallen  foe, 
And  hear  him  groan  and  see  him  writhe. 
Such  feelings  suit  a  demon's  breast. 
I  want  no  wreath»bestained  with  blood — 
No  praise  by  dread  destruction  won. 
I  follow  only  duty's  call, 
And  battle  only  for  the  cause 
That  all  the  good  and  Heaven  approve. 
'T  would  be  life's  Eden,  could  I  spend 
My  days  at  home  with  peace  and  thee. 
Thou  knovvest  this,  and  yet  I'm  sure 
Thy  heart  would:  love  me  less,  should  love 
Prevail  to  conquer  virtue's  power 
And  make  me  sheathe  the  sword  of  Right. 
I'm  here  once  more — but  gone  again  ; 
E'en  years  may  pass  ere  I  return. 
With  me,  remember,  life  itself 
And  memory  of  thee  are  one. 
But  ere  I  go  I'd  give  to  thee 
A  souvenir  which  shall  recall, 


OR  THE  TOKEN  STAR. 

With  angel  tongue,  my  name,  in  hours 
When  precious  memory's  most  dear, 
And  hallowed  thoughts  most  hallowed  are. 
For  this  I  will  not  leave  &  flower  ; 
Though  flowers  are  pure  and  beautiful, 
And  speak  a  language  full  of  love ; 
They,  Linda,  early  droop  and  fade : 
They  change  with  every  beam  and  breeze ; 
And  cannot  emblem  well  a  heart, 
Which  beats,  like  mine,  forever  true.  ■ 

I  will  not  leave  the  sparkling  gem-— 

The  golden  gewgaw  or  the  pearl — 

For  though  they  have  a  magic  tongue, 

That  speaks  with  potent  charms  to  some, 

Yet  gold  and  diamond  tongues  arc  dumb 

To  hearts  so  excellent  as  thine. 

I  will  not  leave  on  gilded  page 

The  painted  vows  which  poets  dream, 

Nor  aught  of  all  the  wie'rd  pen 

Has  written  to  reveal  the  heart. 

Books  are  not  bosoms!     They  are  born 

Too  oft  where  only  thought  prevails  ; 

And  simple  types  can  never  tell 

The  faithful  fervor  of  a  soul 

"Which  glows  and  thrills  with  ceaseless  love. 

And  books !     Man  made  them ;  saving  one, 

And  that  I  gave  thee  years  agone. 

I  will  not  leave  the  spoken  vow; 
For  as  I  speak  the  echo  dies  •  • 
Forever  to  the  mm  tal  ear. 

I  will  not  leave  my  miniature ; 

It  does  not  smile — I  smile  for  thee ; 

It  does  not  pray — I  pray  for  thee  ; 

It  does  not  look  with  burning  beam 

The  living  energy  of  soul : 

'T would  seem  to  be  myself,  and  still 

'Twould  he  a  mockerv  of  me. 


MORVEN  AND  LINDA; 

Behold  yon. richly  radiant  Star! 
'Tis  there  all  seasons  of  all  years; 
"While  others, often  disappear 
To  shed  their  beams  in  other  skies, 
That  always  looks  and  is  the  same, 
And  never  wearies  of  its  home. 
The  clouds  may  overshadow  it 
The  sun's  unfriendly  splendor  hide ; 
Y5t  when  the  veiling  cloud  is  gone — 
Or  when  the  dazzling  day  is  done — 
It  shines  all  loveliness  again. 
It  is  a  tenant  of  the  sky  ;  • 

Its  rays  are  pure — no  earthly  stain 
Makes  aught  of  its  soft  brilliancy. 
It  shines  by  night— to  guide  the  dews 
On  visits  to  refresh  the  flowers. 
It  shines  by  night — like  one  who  loves 
.  Tranquillity  and  sacred  peace. 
It  shines  by  night— as  faithful  hearts 
Seek  kindly  for  the  scenes  of  gloom. 
It  shines  by  night — while  nature  sleeps, 
Thus  blessing  earth — when  earth  knows  not- 
As  angels  bring  their  heavenly  gifts, 
And  breathe  sweet  messages  on  souls 
That  never  see  the  hands  that  give, 
Nor  know  the  precious  lips  that  speak. 
It  shines  by  night — directing  those 
"Who  wander  over  pathless  hills, 
Or  ride  the  waves  with  compass  lost ; 
An  emblem  of  the  spirit  light 
Our  Father  sends,  .to  guide  the  heart 
Through  moral  wilderness  and  storm. 
That  Star,  and  that  alone,  I  leave. 
My  love  is  pure  as  starlight's  pure ; 
'Tis  changeless  as  perennial  beam  ; 
'Twill  be  the  same  though  parting  clouds 
Should  lower  long  and  dark  between. 
Behold  it,  then,  and  call  it  thine! 
To  me  it  shall  a  beacon  be, 
Commanding  every  deed  of  life ; 
Not  that  I'd  serve  thee  more  than  Heaven, 


OR  THEJTOKEN  STAB. 

But  that  I  know  thy  will  to  be 

That  I  should  only  Heaven  serve. 

As  did  the  star  of  Bethlehem, 

It  shall  proclaim  with  every  ray 

The  language  of  eternal  hope ; 

And  tell  us  cf  that  higher  home, 

Where  forms  like  stars  shall  live  to  shine— 

And  souls  like  stars  be  high  in  Heaven. 

'Twill  lead  us  to  look  up  to  Him 

Who  made  the  stars  to  make  us  blessed. 

'Twill  tell  us  of  the  love,  the  power, 

The  wisdom  and  the  grace  of  Him 

Who  deigns  to  be  our  Father  God. 

Then,  dearest  Linda,  we  can  pray ; 

And  constant  hope,  despite  all  fate, 

That  He  will  lead  us  once  again 

To  happy  union,  either  here, 

Or  in  the  purer  light  of  Heaven!  "    . 

Here  Linda  wept— and  weeping  smiled ; 

Nor  was  it  strange ;  for  in  a  world 

Where  shade  and  sunshine  often  join, 

The  hearts  are  Jew,  that  feel  not  oft  A 

Deep  cause  to  mingle  tears  with  smiles. 

Then  Linda,  weeping,  smiling  said ; 

"  Oh,  Morven !  ever.be  thyself! 

I'll  think  of  thee—I'll  cherish  thee, 

I'll  pray  for  thee— I'll  love  but  thee ; 

Be  sure  to  think  of  this  and  me ! 

.Remember  me  each  fleeting  hour ! 

Aye,  every  moment  think  of  me ! 

And  be  each  thought  of.  me,  a  call 

To  struggle  for  the  right  and  Heaven ! 

I  shall  not  change — I'm  thine  forever. 

Good  bye !     We  seek  the  same  bright  Home, 

We'll  meet  again,  I  hope,  on  earth ; 

If  not  on  earth — still  shall  we  meet. " 

Months  fled  apace.     Each  dusky  eve, 
Would  Linda  wander  to  the  spot 
Where  she  and  Morven  wept  "  adieu." 
When  there  she'd  cast  a  tearful  glance 


morven  and.linda;  . 

To  greet  the  gentle  little  Star- 
Then  meekly  bend  the  suppliant  knee. 
And  breathe  to  glory  prayers  like  this : 
"  Oh,  Father !  show  him  yonder  Star  ! 
"When  in  his  blanket  wrapped  he  lays 
His  wearied  form  upon  the  ground — 
Or  walks  the  sentry's  lonely  beat — 
Or  stands  on  outpost  dark  and  drear — 
Then  Father,  show  him  yonder  Star ! 
And  give  its  every  beam  a  tongue 
To  speak  with  power  to  his  soul* ! 
Oh,  may  he^ever  faithful  be, 
As  that  is  faithful  in  its  sphere  t 
Bestow  on  him  a  cheerful  heart 
'Mid  all  the  trials  he  must  bear ! 
When  sick  in  crowded  hospital, 
Upon  his  little  bed  of  straw, 
He  thinks  of  distant  home  and  friends, 
And  sighs  for  tender  hands. and  hearts 
To  bless  him  in  his  suffering — 
But  sighs  in  vain,  All  present  One  ! 
Be  thou  his  Friend  and  Comforter ! 
When  on  the  field  'mid  serried  ranks, 
He  fronts  the  battle's  storm,  Oh  God ! 
Be  round  about  him  !     Be  his  shield ! 
Ob,  be  his  great  deliverer  ! 
He  loves  me,  Father ;  make  that  love 
A  sweet  Evangel  to  proclaim 
His  duty  and  his  troth  to  Thee. 
Guide  all  his  footsteps !     Make  his  life 
A  holy  Marathon  for  truth ! 
Oh  may  he  always  trust  in  Thee, 
Receive  and  feel  thy  boundless  love ! 
I  pray  for  peace  !  oh  Lord,  how  long !  " 

Anon  the  beauteous  Linda  .pined  ; 

The  lustre  of  her  noble  eye 

Grew  dim — the  roses  on  her  cheek 

Were  faded  by  despondency. 

The  heart  was  sick—and  when  a  heart 

Like  hers,  is  filled  with  gloom  or  pain, 


OS  TEE.TOBZEN  STAR. 

The  power's  felt  through  form  and  soul. 

2Jo  more  in  gracefulness  she  tripped, 

In  evening  shades,  through  woody  bower. 

'Twas  seen  her  life  was  waning  fast, 

And  friends  were  shedding,  secret  tears. 

One  synny  day  her  mother  sat, 

And  gazed  on  her  with  heart  of  grief, 

As  drooping  on  her  couch  she  lay,    - 

The  mother  thought  her  slumbering. 

She  was  asleep  to  all  around — 

Her  soul  was  living  far  away.  •    ' 

tShe  thought  with  fervid  hopes  of  him 

"Who  "loved  and  loves,  if  yet  he  lives." 

She  prayed  for  union,  but  not  here — 

Her  spirit  looked  beyond  the  skies.     » 

Believing  death' was  almost  come, 

She  oped  her  eyes  and  cast  a  glance 

Of  melting  tenderness,  and  said  : 

"  Bear  mother  !  come  and  kiss  thy  child ! 

I'd.  feel  thy  sweet  embrace  once  more, 

The  last  time  hear  thy  tender  voice. 

I'm  dying,  mother,  but  I  feel 

No  fear.     All's  well.     Bid  all  my  friends 

Draw  near  and  take  this  last  adieu." 

With  streaming  eyes  and  swelling  hearts, 

They  gathered  round  the  snow  white  couch, 

Keceived  the  dying  pledge  of  love — 

Caught  sacred  warnings  from  her  lips, 

Then  warmly  pressed  her  -little  hand 

And.  sighed  a  lingering  "farewell." 

Again  she  spoke — they  listened  all ; 

"  I)ear  friends,  I  ask  one  last  kind  pledge  ; 

Soon  I  shall  sleep  in  silent  death  ;-*- 

Prepare  roy  grave  beneath  yon  elm, 

And  bury  me  at  eventide, 

When  stars  are  shining  in  the  sky ; 

Place  over  me  a  marble  block  ; 

Engrave  no  name — but  cut  a  Star 

Upon  the  surface— then  a  hand, 

"With  -finger  pointing  to  the  Star  : 

And  mark  !     Should  Morven  e'er  retiarn, 


10  *  MORVEN- AND. LINDA; 

Pray  tell  him  thai;  I  begged  you  this. 
I  die — but  oh  !  beyond  all  dreams 
Of  joy  that  soul  e'er  dreamed  below, 
The  real  ecstacy  of  Heaven 
Steals  richly  on  my  winging  soul. 
I  die — but  only  die' to  live. 
We  part — but  only  part  to  meet, 
Where  those  who -meet  shall  part  no  more." 
This  day,  not  far  from  Malvern  Hill, 
Within  a  bloody  hospital,  * 

Young  Morven  lay,  with  two  deep  wounds ; 
From  loss  of  blood  and  want  of  bread,  - 
And  dread  fatigue,  his  face  was  pale — 
His  voice  was  tremtilous  and  faint, 
And  yet  to  comrades  lying  near, 
And  writhing  in  their  blood  and  pain, 
He  often  spoke  consoling  words 
And  strove  to  calm  their  aching  hearts 
With  feeble  hand  he'd  hold  the  cup, 
To  dying  comrade's  fevered  lips, 
And  sigh  for  strength  to  help  them  more 
He  talked  to  them  of  holy  trust 
In  Him  who  promises  to  heed 
The  humblest  cry  that's  raised  to  Him, 
For  help  and  mercy,  through  his  Son: 
He  spoke  of  blissful  rest  and  peace, 
Within  the  Beautiful  of  Lands, 
Where  war's  alarms  are  never  felt, 
And  cruel  foes  are  never  feared. 
While  speaking,  sweet  serenity 
Was  on  his  features,  and  a  smile 
-Would  often  play  upon  them,  like 
The  ripple  from  a  gentle  breeze 
Upon  the  bosom  of  a  lake 
That  rests  in  sunny  peacefulness. 
But  soon  night  came,  and  o'er  his  weak 
And  wearied  frame,  soft  slumber  fell. 
Then  fancy  rose  and  ruled  the  mind, 
Creating  freshly  vanished  hours, 
And  lading  them  with  pleasures  gone. 
So  faithful  was  she  to  the  past, 


OR  THE -TOKEN  STAR.  *  II 

He  seemed  to  live  it  all  again.     • 

Fair  Linda  rose  in  visions  bright, 

And  joined  him  in  a  thousand  scenes 

Of  youthful  hope  and  happiness. 

Her  voice  was  love's  own  melody — 

Her  every  glance  a  pledge  of  love. 

How  beat  his  heart  with  gladness  then ! 

'Twas  feasting  on  the  sacred  joys 

Of  dearest  memory,  combined 

"With  other  joys  he'd  hoped  for  long, 

And  oft  had  viewed  with  ardent  eye, 

In  scenes  that  coming  days  should  bring. 

But  blissful  as  this  dream,  so  dark 

The  cloud  of  gloom  which  soon  should  wrap 

Its  dismal  folds  around  his  "heart. 

He  wakes  and  finds  beside  him  one, 

"Who  knew  him^in  his  distant  home. 

They'd  long  been  friends  with  mutual  trust — 

"Were  kind  and  true  as  brothers  are. 

They  loved  to  bless  each  other  still. 

He  held  a  candle  in  one  hand— 

And  gave  a  letter,  which  he  said 

Contained  perchance  some  news  from  home; 

Their  homes  were  captured  by  the  foe 

The  month  they  left,  and  not  a  line 

Had  they  received  from  home  and  friends. 

"With  eager  hand  he  opened  it, 

But  found  no  name.     'Twas  written  by 

Some  cruel  one  to  torture  him, 

And  blight  his  love  and  happiness. 

By  one  who  had  a  traitor  turned 

To  all  that's  noble  in  the  heart — 

To  friendship — native  land  and  Heaven, 

And  who  still  sought  the  lovely  hand  • 

Of  faithful  Morven's  sweet  betrothed. 

This  letter  told  him  startling  things. 

It  taught  him  that  ho  was  forgot — 

That  Linda  loved  another  now. 

It  gave  him  all  her  cruel  words, 

When  she  renounced  her  olden  vow 

And  to  another  pledged  her  all. 


]2  *  MOEVEN  ANX>  LINDA  ; 

This  news  was  strange — 'twas  terrible — 
And  gained  dominion  over  him. 
.  He  strove  to  doubt  it — think  it  false, 
But  all  in  vain  ;  it  would  seem  true. 
He  begged  his  friend  to  lend -his  arm 
And  lead  him  to  a  neighboring  grove — . 
There  sadly  sinking  to  the  ground, 
He  gave  the  letter  to  that  friend 
And  begged,  "  now  leave  me  all  alone." 
Oh,  what  a  burden  pressed  his  heart ! 
He  leaned  his  head  upon,  his  hand 
And  mused  awhile  and  deeply  sighed ; 
Then  with  a  doleful,  anguished  voice, 
He  uttered  this  soliloquy  : 
"  Oh  Linda !  Linda !  can  it  be ! 
"What  is  there  left  to  comfort  me  ? 
The  past  I  love,  but  that  is  gone. 
The  present  is  a  soldier's  Lot — 
Privation,  suffering  and  pain  ; 
The  future  looks  all  pleasureless. 
Save  what  of  joy  may  gladden  it, 
By  her  fidelity  and  love. 
And  if  s-he's  false  —the  world  is  false — 
For  she  was  truest  of  the  world.     ^ 
.  If  she  be  false — life's  light  is  fled. 
And  oh  !  to  think.  I'm  so  deceived, 
By  one  I  loved  with  such  a  love ! 
I  should  have  deemed  her  pledged  to  me 
"Without  the  fervent  pledges  given. 
She  smiled  sometimes  when  we  would  meet, 
With  gentleness  enough  to  quell 
The  raging  of  a  breaking  heart. 
She  spoke  sometimes  with  angel  tongue, 
•       Such  words  as  linger  sweetly  yet, 
.   Like  music  from  the  vales  of  Peace. 
Ten  thousand  little  favors  done,    • 
Proclaimed  a  loving  woman's  love. 
These  smiles,  and  words,  and  favors  all, 
Or  each  would  make  it  treachery 
And  deep  deception,  were  she  false  ; 
But  add  to  these  the  plighted  vows, 


OR  THE  TOKEN  STA.&.  13 

So  oft  repeated — and  at  last 
Embalmed  in  holy  parting  tears  ! 
Ohdove  !  oh  treachery  !   can  it  be '? 
How  base  the  crime  of  dark  deceit! 
It  was  the  primal  fount  of  sin  ; 
It  withered  all  ot  Eden's  bowers; 
And  stained  her  every  crystal  stream. 
It  is  the  darkest  trophy-gem, 
Whose  lurid  sparkling  crowns  the  brow 
Of  him  who  reigns — the  Prince  of  woe. 
If  I  would  be  on  earth  a  fiend, 
Deception  first  should  fill  my  soul ; 
And  if  a  fiend  I'd  ever  be, 
I'd  w*ed  deceiving  to  my  life. 
It  is  the  antithesis  of  truth — 
Then  is  it  black  as  truth  is  bright. 
And  truth  is  bright  enough  for  Heaven, 
And  can  a  crime  like  this  be  born, 
And  fostered  in  the  pious- breast 
Of  Linda — whom  we  ever  thought- 
The  child  of  purity  and  truth  ? 
It  false  —her  fall  is  one  that's  less 
Alone  than  that  which  angels  fell.  " 

O'er- whelmed'  with  thoughts  like  these,  he  paused, 

And  soon  his  words  were  changed  to  tears. 

Then  sweetly  on  the  silent  air — 

Soft  melting  strains  of  music  came. 

The  notes  were  those  of  "  Home,  sweet  Home ,'  " 

They  shed  enchantment  o'er  his  soul. 

Unwittingly  he  looked  away 

To  where  the  Token  Star  still  shone. 

A  beam  of  .beauty  kissed  his  soul, 

And  waked  it  from  its  reverie. 

As  swift  as  morning  shadows  fly, 

When  waves  of  sunlight  flood  the  sky — 

So  swift  his  painful  doubtings  fled 

And  all  his  heart  was  trust  again. 

"  No,  Linda!  I'll  believe  thee  true, 

Till  thine  own  lips  declare  thee  false. 

No  nameless  letter  can  destroy 


14  MORVEN  ANR  LINDA  ; 

The  trust  of  this  unchanging  heart. 
•  Thy  faithfulness  is  written  high 
Upon  the  bosom  of  the  sky, 
In  changeless  characters  of  light. 
That  record's  worthier  far  of  faith 
Than  all  that  erring  man  can  write. 
I  will  not — cannot  doubt  thee  more." 

Long,  changeful  months  of  strife  passed  o'er; 

But  not  one  fear  or  doubt  arose 

To  trouble  Morven's  hopes  again. 

At  length  he  learned  with  grateful  heart, 

The  foe  were  driven  from  hi3  home ; 

Just  then,  most  fortunate,  there  came 

A  leave  of  absence  from  his  corps, 

That  he  might  visit  home  once  more. 

How  buoyant  was  his  noble  breast ! 

Alone  he  sped  his  hopeful  way 

To  those  who  love  and  know  they're  loved, 

How  sweet  .anticipation  is 

"When  blessed  reunion  is  at  hand  ! 

His  journey  done — at  last  he  came 

By  starlight  to  the  cherished  elm. 

"When  near,  he  gazed  and  saw  the  shaft — 

His  heart  beat  fast — he  thought  'twas  she. 

Love  could  not  wait ;  it  instant  spoke : 

*l  Oh  Linda  !  Linda,  loved  and  dear  !  " 

He  listened — not  a  sound  he  beard. 

Still  gazing,  to  himself  he  said  : 

"  It  must  be  Linda,  and  she  fears  ; 

Me  thinks  I  see- her  tremble  now." 

Again  he  cried  with  voice  of  love  ; 

"  Sweet  Linda !  I  am  home  again  !  " 

No  word  he  caught — no  motion  saw. 

He  drew  him  near— descried  the  shaft'; 

His  hopes  were  faint — he  quaked  with  dread  ; 

He  stooped — he  saw  the  ma'rble  Star — 

He  shrieked :  "  Oh  Heaven  !  'Tis  Linda's  tomb  ! 

And  is  she  dead  ?  Oh,  is  she. dead  ? 

Ig  this  the  home  of  hallowed  joy, 


OR  TliE  JTfKEN  STAR.  15 

i  Become  the  dreary  scene  of  death  ? 
But  there's  some  comfort  even  here. 
This  means  that  she  was  true  till  death. 
Oh,  that  I  could  have  present  been, 
To  hear  her  dying  words  and  prayers  ! 
For  they,  I  know,  were  treasures  dear, 
1  That  even  angels  love  to  prize 
She's  gone — and  with  her  all  I  loved, 
.  And  cherished  most  this  side  of  Heaven. 
She's  gone— to  fadeless  glory  gone, 
|  She  waits  me  on  yon  peaceful  shore. 
Up  there,  if  we  should  meet  again, 
Eternal  union  would  be  ours  ; 
For  this  sweet  thought  I  thank.kind  Heaven. 
Thrice  blessed  they  who  meet  on  high! 
Their  lives  and  blessings  never  end. 
I  Oh,  what  a  boon  it  were  to  die,    ' 
.  And  hie  me  to  her  better  home  ! 
I   But  nay  ;  the  Father's  will  be  done  ! 
I  I'll  weep  no  more — instead  of  tears, 
i   Her  memory  shall  waken  prayers. 
]  Thou  breaking  heart !  go  feel  for  those 
I   Who  need  and*  bleed  in  wretchedness  ! 
There's  something  left  to  live  for  still ! 
Go,  guide  these  hands  to  scatter  peace 
In  every  hapless  heart  and  home  ! 
Then  smiles  from  thy  Redeemer  still 
Shall  gently  gather  over  thee, 
And  cheer  thee  on  thy  lonely  way. 
Thus  beat  away  thy  fleeting  days, 
And  soon  thy  liberty  shall  come. 
This  block  proves  Linda  was  herself 
'    As  long  as  change  was  possible; 
She's  truer  now — she's  glorified — 
She  lives  where  hearts  can  never  change." 

"  Oh  Morven  !  Morven  !    Is  it  thou? 
Thy  Linda  lives!    We've  met  again  !  " 

r    The  voice  was  hers — he  knew  it  well. 
He  sprang,  excited,  to  his  feet. 


16  MO  EVEN  A-KD-LUfDA. 

He  looked  and  lo!' all  beautiful, 
Came  Linda  rushing  to  his  arms ! 
He  pressed  her  to  his  bounding  heart,   "'■ 
And  cried  with  fervid,  trembling  voice; 
"  Oh  Linda !     Is  this  all  a  dream?' 
Can  such  a  glory  real  ba  ? 
•  What  means  it  ?     Teli  me— quickly  te)  I  !  " 
;T was  long  before  a' word  she  spoke, 
But  sobbing,  quivering,  she  lay 
Enfolded  in  his  loving  a.rms. 
When  joy's  first  thrilling  |ttook  was"  passed, 
She  smiled  with  glowing  iove  and  szXh  : 
<fDear  Morven!  just  ten  months  ago,  i 
I  almost  slept  the  sleep  of  death.. 
When  I.  believed  my  end  was  near, 
1  begged-  my  friends  'to  build  a  tomb 
Of  marble,  and  engrave  it  thus. 
But  Heaven  graciously  prolonged 
My  life,  and  gave  me  health'  again . 
.-    Anon  we  heard  the  bloody  news 
Of  battles  round  our  Capita'.      » 
You  do  not  know  the  dread  suspe'r.??.,  x 

The  trembling,  tearfu!  anxiousn?.:<> 
■That  those  at. home  experience. 
When  they  have  learned  a  battle's  fought, 
And  cannot  hear  the  fate  of  friends. 
It  clothes  ail  countenances  in  gloom 
By  day  and  night  the  heart  is  sad. 
And  though  so  eager,  dreads  to  hear. 
I  never  shall  forget  the  day 
A  paper  came,  in  which  were  given 
The  names  of  all  our  Southern  slain. 
How  tremblingly  I  read  that  list ! 
I  hurried  almost  madly  on, 
Till,  oh  !  my  eye  beheld  thy  name  ! 
I  cannot  tell  thee  what  I  felt — 
I  can't  remember  what  I  felt; 
.  For  'twas  a  shock  which  rent  my  heart 
As  lightning  rends  the  stricken  tree. 
Then" with  a  love  tbat  could  not  die, 
I  straight  resolved  to  raise  this  tomb 
To  thy  most  precious  ww 


